Maoist’s decide to stay in opposition; NC, CPN-UML and the MJF call the decision “hasty”; Protests against the Vice-President
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  • Although the Constituent Assembly (CA) elected Nepal's first president on July 21 and other constitutional positions like that of the vice-president and chairman of the CA were subsequently filled, the political uncertainty continued. The situation worsened after the president’s election when the Maoists termed the new alliance – made up of the Nepali Congress (NC), UML and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), as “unholy and unnatural.” They instead announced that they would stay in opposition and focus on constitution-making1. However, according to the interim constitution, a two-thirds majority of the CA is required to pass the bills and resolutions for the new constitution. The Maoist decision has therefore given rise to doubts as to whether the process would be completed within the stipulated time.

    The Maoist decision to remain in the opposition was called "hasty" by the top leadership of the NC, CPN-UML and the MJF on July 22. Urging them to reconsider their decision, they termed as unwise not to lead a new government simply on the ground that they failed to get their presidential candidate elected2.

    Prachanda has however on July 21 stated that his party’s decision could change if the need arose and if there was an ethical ground for it3. On their part, after discussions with all the 24 parties, the Maoists have put forward three conditions to lead the government. These included – the break-up of the three-party alliance; a Common Minimum Programme to reflect the Maoists' manifesto; and a guarantee that the government headed by them would not be pulled down for at least two years till the constitution was written4.

    Meanwhile, the NC and UML have clarified that the three-party alliance was only forged for the election of the president, vice-president and the CA chairman, and that it was not formed for the purpose of government-making. The NC on July 26 also criticized the CPN- Maoist preconditions and stressed on the continuation of the alliance with the CPN- UML and the MJF5. The UML also opposed the pre-conditions and called on the Maoists to accommodate all other parties if they wanted to lead the government6.

    In other developments, around 8 student organizations affiliated with various political parties have vowed to continue their protests against Vice-President Parmananda Jha for having taken the oath during the swearing-in ceremony in Hindi. They have called on him to apologize for his action7.

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